Brass Toad water flask
Country: Tibet
Type: Vessel
Name: Brass Toad water flask
Material: Brass
Period: End of 19th century - Early 20th centuryDatation: C.1900
This second peculiar flask shaped like a toad is decorated with two auspicious signs known as ASTAMANGALA. The conch, symbol of the absence of ""Evil"", the glory of all saints. It symbolizes the sound of the deep Dharma that awakens beeings from the sleep of ignorance and incites them to perform their own good and that of other beings. .Endless knot, represents the spirit of the Buddha as well as the interdependence of all things, the union of compassion and wisdom, wisdom and means, or emptiness and interdependence. It also represents samsara, the world of suffering where one is born and dies in a loop. This world we must leave to reach nirvana by the awakening of consciousness. The form is unusual and only a few seem to be known in museums. On the back a snake can be seen. The rendering of the toad is naturalistic in that the creature’s contours and lumpy skin are realistically rendered. These were probably used by pilgrims of a certain social status to carry water on their journey. The leather straps to allow it to be transported are missing as the wooden cork (or brass stopper).
Height (cms): 29.6
Length (cms): 19
Depth (cms): 10
Provenance: Private collection of the owner of Rambagh Palace
Art market: Beaussant Lefevre 13/11/2018
Bibliography: Pal (2003, p. 169) says of an illustrated example in the Norton Simon Collection that it is difficult to establish the precise time and place of manufacture of these toad vessels but suggests a likely 18th century dating. Pal, P., Art from the Himalayas & China: Asian Art at the Norton Simon Museum,Yale University Press, 2003. See picture. The form is linked to the ceramic pilgrimage flasks used in China and possibly, the Tibetans became familiar with the form during the Chinese presence in Central Asia during the Tang Dynasty.
Reserve: $1,350.00
Shipping:
Domestic: Flat-rate of $150.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S.
International: Foreign shipping rates are determined by destination.
Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding.
Location: This item ships from Belgium.
Your purchase is protected:
Photos, descriptions, and estimates were prepared with the utmost care by a fully certified expert and appraiser. All items in this sale are guaranteed authentic.
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Jasper52 specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Jasper52 within 5 days of receiving the item.
Condition Report: Good overall condition. Pierced bottom
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Country: Tibet
Type: Vessel
Name: Brass Toad water flask
Material: Brass
Period: End of 19th century - Early 20th centuryDatation: C.1900
This second peculiar flask shaped like a toad is decorated with two auspicious signs known as ASTAMANGALA. The conch, symbol of the absence of ""Evil"", the glory of all saints. It symbolizes the sound of the deep Dharma that awakens beeings from the sleep of ignorance and incites them to perform their own good and that of other beings. .Endless knot, represents the spirit of the Buddha as well as the interdependence of all things, the union of compassion and wisdom, wisdom and means, or emptiness and interdependence. It also represents samsara, the world of suffering where one is born and dies in a loop. This world we must leave to reach nirvana by the awakening of consciousness. The form is unusual and only a few seem to be known in museums. On the back a snake can be seen. The rendering of the toad is naturalistic in that the creature’s contours and lumpy skin are realistically rendered. These were probably used by pilgrims of a certain social status to carry water on their journey. The leather straps to allow it to be transported are missing as the wooden cork (or brass stopper).
Height (cms): 29.6
Length (cms): 19
Depth (cms): 10
Provenance: Private collection of the owner of Rambagh Palace
Art market: Beaussant Lefevre 13/11/2018
Bibliography: Pal (2003, p. 169) says of an illustrated example in the Norton Simon Collection that it is difficult to establish the precise time and place of manufacture of these toad vessels but suggests a likely 18th century dating. Pal, P., Art from the Himalayas & China: Asian Art at the Norton Simon Museum,Yale University Press, 2003. See picture. The form is linked to the ceramic pilgrimage flasks used in China and possibly, the Tibetans became familiar with the form during the Chinese presence in Central Asia during the Tang Dynasty.
Reserve: $1,350.00
Shipping:
Domestic: Flat-rate of $150.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S.
International: Foreign shipping rates are determined by destination.
Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding.
Location: This item ships from Belgium.
Your purchase is protected:
Photos, descriptions, and estimates were prepared with the utmost care by a fully certified expert and appraiser. All items in this sale are guaranteed authentic.
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Jasper52 specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Jasper52 within 5 days of receiving the item.
Condition Report: Good overall condition. Pierced bottom
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Time, Location
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